Slider end stop for a reclosable bag and methods

ABSTRACT

A zipper profile arrangement for use in opening and closing a package. The zipper profile arrangement including a reclosable zipper profile having first and second zipper ends. End stops are located that the first and second zipper ends of the reclosable zipper profile. The ends stops include a volume of glue disposed between first and second zipper profiles of the reclosable zipper profile. The end stops prevent a slider of the zipper profile arrangement from separating from the reclosable zipper profile.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a closure arrangement for a reclosablepackage. More particularly, the invention relates to closure arrangementhaving a slider end stop.

BACKGROUND

Reclosable packages and bags are used in many different applications.Reclosable bags, for example, often have zipper arrangements for sealingproducts within the bags. The zipper arrangements typically include azipper profile having male and female profiles that interlock whenpressed together along the length of the zipper. A slider can be used topress the male and female profiles together to close the bags. In sucharrangements, the slider is also used to unlock the male and femaleprofiles to open the bags.

Conventional zipper arrangements utilized a number of end stopconfigurations to prevent the slider from separating from or coming offthe end of the zipper profile. Some end stop configurations are formedby heating a portion of the zipper profile, or by using ultrasonictechnology to form the end stop. Other end stop configurations includeapplying glue to an outer surface of the zipper profile or attaching astrap to the zipper profile. Yet, with each of these end stopconfigurations, the slider still has a tendency to come off the end ofthe zipper profile.

Consequently, a need exists for an improved end stop that prevents aslider from coming off the end of a zipper profile.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a zipper profilearrangement including a reclosable zipper profile, a slider for openingand closing the reclosable zipper profile, and end stops located atopposite ends of the reclosable zipper profile. The end stops includeglue or adhesive disposed between either members or ears of thereclosable zipper profile. The end stops prevent the slider fromseparating from the reclosable zipper profile.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a paper bag having azipper profile arrangement including a plastic zipper profile and aplastic slider for opening and closing the zipper profile. The bagincludes a flap portion that encloses the zipper profile arrangement.

A variety of examples of desirable product features or methods are setforth in part in the description that follows, and in part will beapparent from the description, or may be learned by practicing variousaspects of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure may relate toindividual features as well as combinations of features. It is to beunderstood that both the foregoing general description and the followingdetailed description are explanatory only, and are not restrictive ofthe claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a package having a reclosable zipperarrangement, in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reclosable zipper arrangement ofFIG. 1, showing one embodiment of a zipper profile and a slider;

FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the reclosable zipper arrangementof FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper profile of FIG. 2, takenalong line 4-4;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a zipper profilethat can be used in the reclosable zipper arrangement of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the zipper profile of FIG. 5, shown withan end stop, in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper profile of FIG. 6, takenalong line 7-7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the zipper profile of FIG. 6,illustrating one method of manufacture;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the zipper profile of FIG. 2,illustrating another method of manufacture;

FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of the zipper profile of FIG. 6,showing one type of a manufacture treatment;

FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view of the zipper profile of FIG. 2,showing another type of a manufacture treatment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a zipper profile,shown with an end stop, in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the package having a zipper profile asillustrated in FIGS. 1-4, showing another embodiment of a end stop, inaccordance with the principles disclosed;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the zipper profile and end stop ofFIG. 13, taken along line 14-14;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a bag including a reclosable zipperarrangement, in accordance with the principles of the presentdisclosure; and

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the bag of FIG. 15, shown with thereclosable zipper arrangement enclosed by a flap portion of the bag.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to various features of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. 1-9 illustrate embodiments of reclosable zipper arrangements 10having features that are examples of how inventive aspects in accordancewith the principles of the present disclosure may be practiced.Preferred features are adapted for preventing separation of the variouscomponents of the zipper arrangement 10 to provide a consumer with areliable reclosable arrangement that accommodates extended and repeateduse a bag, for example.

Referring now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a zipper profile arrangement10 is illustrated. The zipper profile arrangement 10 is provided on apackage 12. The zipper profile arrangement 10 can be selectively openedto access an interior of the package 12, and selectively closed to sealthe package. In the illustrated embodiment, the package 12 is made of apackage film 14, such as a flexible package film, having a surroundingwall 16 that defines the interior. A mouth 18 provides access to theinterior of the package. The zipper profile arrangement 10 is orientedalong the mouth 18 of the package 12 to provide selective opening andclosing of the mouth.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the zipper profile arrangement 10 includes areclosable zipper profile 30. The reclosable zipper profile 30 includesa first zipper profile 22 and a second zipper profile 24 that opposesthe first zipper profile. The zipper profile arrangement 10 alsoincludes a slider 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the first zipperprofile 22, the second zipper profile 24, and the slider 20 are made ofplastic, preferably a thermoplastic.

The slider 20 is mounted on the first and second zipper profiles 22, 24,and is constructed to selectively mate and un-mate the first and secondzipper profiles 22, 24 in response to moving or sliding the slider 20along the zipper profile 30. For example, the slider 20 can move alongthe zipper profile in a first direction (represented by arrow A) to matethe zipper profiles and close the package 12. The slider 20 can alsomove along the zipper profile 30 in an opposite second direction(represented by arrow B) to un-mate the zipper profiles and open thepackage 12.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the first zipper profile 22 of the reclosablezipper profile 30 has a first end 26 and an opposite second end 28. Thesecond zipper profile 24 also has a first end 32 and an opposite secondend 34. The first end 26 of the first zipper profile 22 and the firstend 32 second zipper profile 24 oppose one another to define a firstzipper end 36 (FIG. 2) of the reclosable zipper profile 30. The secondend 28 of the first zipper profile 22 and the second end 34 of thesecond zipper profile 24 oppose one another to define a second zipperend 38 (FIG. 2) of the reclosable zipper profile 30.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the first zipper profile 22 includes a firstprofile member 42 and a first ear 44 extending from the first profilemember 42. The first profile member 42 and the first ear 44 extend alongthe length of the first zipper profile 22. The second zipper profile 24includes a second profile member 46 and a second ear 48 extending fromthe second profile member 46. The second profile member 46 and thesecond ear 48 extend along the length of the second zipper profile 24.

Each of the first and second profile members 42, 46 of the first andsecond zipper profiles 22, 24 includes an interlocking element 54. Theinterlocking elements 54 engage one another (as shown) to seal thepackage 12 when the zipper profile 30 is closed. The slider 20 (FIG. 2)is configured and arranged to engage and interlock the elements 54. Theslider 20 also disengages the elements 54 when the zipper profile 30 isopened. Many different embodiments of the zipper profiles 22, 24 areuseable. In the particular ones shown, the interlocking elements 54 haveJ-shaped cross-sections. The second zipper profile 24 also includes apost 55 that helps the interlocking elements 54 maintain a mated orinterlocked orientation.

Referring back to FIG. 2, the zipper profile arrangement 10 of thepresent disclosure also includes first and second end stops 50, 52. Inthe embodiment shown, the first end stop 50 is located at the firstzipper end 36 of the reclosable zipper profile 30. In the embodimentshown, the second end stop 52 is located at the second zipper end 38 ofthe reclosable zipper profile 30. The end stops 50, 52 are constructedand arranged to limit motion of the slider 20 so that the slider doesnot separate from the zipper profile 30. While the end stops 50, 52 inthis embodiment are shown at the ends 36, 38 of the zipper profile 30,it should be understood that in other embodiments, the end stops 50, 52can be at any point along the zipper profile 30, depending on where itis desired to limit motion of the slider 20.

In the illustrated embodiment, the end stops 50, 52 are made from firstand second volumes of glue or adhesive 56, 58. The volumes of adhesive56, 58 are disposed at the each of the zipper ends 36, 38 between thefirst and second ears 44, 48 of the first and second opposing zipperprofiles 22, 24. In an alternative embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 12,end stops 250 (only one shown) can be made from volumes of adhesivedisposed between first and second profile members 242, 246, instead ofbetween first and second ears. That is, the end stops can be provided ona reclosable zipper profile 230 without ears, in accordance with theprinciples disclosed.

Referring now to FIG. 5, apertures or holes 60 may be formed in each ofthe first and second ears 44, 48 of the first and second zipper profiles22, 24. In one method of manufacture, the apertures 60 are punched intothe ears 44, 48 by a punch press, for example. In the illustratedembodiment, the apertures 60 are located in each of the ears 44, 48adjacent to each of the first and second ends 36, 38 of the reclosablezipper profile 30. Referring to FIG. 12, apertures 260 may similarly beformed in the profile members 242, 246.

In the reclosable zipper profile embodiments of FIG. 5 and 12, the endstops (e.g. 50) each include first and second adhesive portions 62, 64(FIG. 7) located within the apertures 60. The first and second adhesiveportions 62, 64 are connected by a primary portion 66 of the volume ofadhesive (e.g. 56). The first and second adhesive portions 62, 64located within the apertures 60, and the primary portion 66 of thevolume of adhesive 56, connect the first ear 44 of the first zipperprofile 22 to the second ear 48 of the second zipper profile 24 at thezipper ends 36, 38. The construction of this end stop embodimentfunctions somewhat like a rivet to provide enhanced structural integrityof the zipper profile arrangement 10 in certain applications where extrastructural strength is required.

In an alternative embodiment, the first and second ears 44, 48 of thefirst and second zipper profiles 22, 24 (or the profile members 242, 246of FIG. 12) can include a plurality of apertures or holes 60 (shown indashed line in FIG. 8) to form end stops as previously described. Theapertures of the illustrated embodiments can include circular holes, orother shaped holes that aid in enhancing the bond between the adhesiveand the zipper profile 30, or that aid in enhancing the structuralintegrity of the zipper profile arrangement 10, for example.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, another embodiment of a first end stop350 and a second end stop 352 is illustrated. Similar to the embodimentof FIG. 4, the end stops 350, 352 are made up of a volume of glue 356,358 deposited between first and second ears 344, 348 of a reclosablezipper profile 330, as opposed to between first and second profilemembers 342, 346. Each of the volumes of glue or adhesive 356, 358 inthis embodiment, however, is of an amount such that the volume overflowsthe first and second ears 344, 348 of the zipper profile 330.

By providing volumes of glue 356, 358 that overflow the ears 344, 348,the end stops (e.g. 350 in FIG. 14) have a first inner stop portion 392and a second outer stop portion 394. The first inner stop portion 392 isthe volume of adhesive disposed between the first and second ears 344,348 of the zipper profile 330. The second outer stop portion 394 is theoverflow of adhesive that flows or extends over, and is located above, atop edge 398, 399 (FIG. 14) of the respective first and second ears 344,348. In other words, the first inner stop portion 392 of the end stop isthe portion disposed adjacent to opposing inner surfaces 374, 378 of thefirst and second ears 344, 348; while the second outer stop portion 394of the end stop is the portion disposed adjacent to outer surfaces 376,378 of the first and second ears 344, 348.

The illustrated end stops of FIGS. 13 and 14 prevent a slider 320 fromsliding off the zipper profile 330 in two ways. In the first way,similar to the previous embodiments, the inner stop portion 392 contactsa plow 388 (FIG. 13) of the zipper 320 to prevent the zipper fromsliding of the end of the zipper profile 330. In another way, the outerstop portion 294 of the end stops 350, 352 contacts respective endportions or shoulders 396, 398 of the zipper 320 (FIG. 13) to preventthe zipper from sliding of the end of the zipper profile 330.

Referring now to FIG. 8, one method of manufacturing the disclosed endstop embodiments of the zipper profile arrangement 10 is illustrated.During manufacture, a continuous length or web 90 of reclosable zipperprofile is provided, which is subsequently cut to a number of desiredlengths.

The method of manufacturing includes opening the zipper profile (e.g.30) with a spreader system 70 that moves along the web 90 in a direction(shown by arrow C). The illustrated spreader system 70 includes aprofile block 72 that spreads apart the first and second ears 44, 48 ofthe first and second zipper profiles 22, 24. As the spreader system 70move along the web 90, the volumes of adhesive 56, 58 are applied ordeposited between the spread ears 44, 48 of the zipper profile 30 atpredefined locations 100. The adhesive can be applied by use of a nozzle80, for example. Once the volume of adhesive is applied, the ears 44, 48of the zipper profile 30 are released and re-closed to contact theadhesive. Releasing and re-closing the ears 44, 48 squeezes the volumeof adhesive so that the adhesive spreads within the space providedbetween the ears. In arrangements having apertures, the volume ofadhesive is squeezed to flow into and/or through the apertures 60. Theadhesive is then permitted to cure and bond to the ears 44, 48 and tothe apertures 60 formed in the ears. The cured volumes of adhesivedefine the end stops 50, 52.

Referring now to FIG. 9, another method of manufacturing the end stopsincludes treating or applying a treatment 82 to opposing inner surfaces74, 78 of the first and second ears 44, 48. The treatment of the innersurfaces 74, 78 can be performed only at the predefined locations 100,or along the entire length of the web 90. As shown in FIG. 10, onetreatment 82 that can be used involves roughening or pitting 84 theinner surfaces 74, 78 of the zipper profile 30. Roughening or pitting 84the inner surfaces increases the surface area to which the adhesive canbond; thereby enhancing the strength of the bond between the zipperprofile 30 and the adhesive 56, 58. In one method, the roughening orpitting 84 can be created by a Corona Treater machine, for example.

In yet another method, the opposing inner surfaces 74, 78 of the firstand second ears 44, 48 are knurled or roughened 86, as shown in FIG. 11.Knurling the inner surfaces also increases the surface area to which theadhesive can bond; thereby enhancing the strength of the bond betweenthe zipper profile 30 and the adhesive 56, 58. As can be understood,enhancing the bond by pitting or knurling the inner surfaces 72, 74 canbe applied to a zipper profile 30 with or with holes 60 formed in theears 44, 48 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

And, in still another embodiment, the volumes of adhesive 56, 58 appliedbetween the ears can include adhesive with reinforcing fibers. Thereinforcing fibers function to increase the structural integrity andcohesive strength of the adhesive. The reinforcing fibers can include,carbon fiber chains, for example.

As can be understood, each of the methods of manufacture previouslydescribed can be similarly applied to the manufacture of each of theembodiments disclosed herein.

Referring back to FIG. 2, in use, the slider 20 moves along the zipperprofile in either of the first direction A to close the package 12, orthe second opposite direction B to open the package 12. When eitheropening or closing the package, the slider 20 moves or slides along thezipper profile 30 until the slider 20 abuts or contacts one of the endstops 50, 52. The end stops 50, 52 of the zipper profile arrangement 10are constructed to reliably prevent separation the slider 20 from thereclosable zipper profile 30 to ensure repeated functional use of thepackage.

The disclosed zipper profile arrangement 10 can be used on a variety ofpackaging configurations, and used for sealing packages containing avariety of materials or goods. In one preferred embodiment, thedisclosed zipper profile arrangement 10 is used on the packaging of bulkdry goods, such as pet food, for example. Referring to FIG. 15, oneexample bag 110 having a closure arrangement 112 that incorporates thedisclosed zipper profile arrangement 10 is shown. The bag 110 includesan outer package material 114 that defines an opening or mouth 126. Inthe illustrated embodiment, the outer package material 114 includes apaper material. The outer paper package material can include multipleplies of papers, or be of a single ply of paper material, depending uponthe product or goods contained within the bag 110.

The outer package material 114 and the zipper profile arrangement 10 arejoined by gluing or adhering the package film 14 of the package 12 shownin FIG. 1 to an inside 128 (FIG. 16) of the outer package material 114.In some embodiments, only a portion of the package film 14 is providedand adhered to the outer package material 114; in other embodiments, theentire surrounding wall 16 (FIG. 1) of the package film 14 can beadhered to the outer package material 114. In one embodiment, thepackage film 14 includes an inner polyethylene layer or film, forexample. The inner polyethylene layer can be used in bags containingproducts for which it is desirable to retain moisture within the bag 110or prevent moisture from entering the bag.

The package film 14 or portion of package film of the package 12 issecured to the inside 128 (FIG. 16) of the outer package material 114along and adjacent to a top edge 116 of the outer package material 114.In particular, the package film 14 is secured to the outer packagematerial 114 such that the zipper profile arrangement 10 is located atthe mouth 126 of the outer package material 114.

The outer package material 114 includes a first side 118 and a secondside 120. As shown in FIG. 15, in the illustrated embodiment, the zipperprofile arrangement 10 extends above the top edge 116 of the outerpackage material 114 at the first side 118 of the outer packagematerial. At the second opposite side 120 of the outer package material114, a flap portion 122 extends above the zipper profile arrangement 10.The flap portion 122 is used to enclose the zipper profile arrangement10 so that the zipper profile arrangement 10 is not inadvertently openedprior to use.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 16, the flap portion 122 and thereclosable zipper profile 30 of the zipper profile arrangement 10 foldover so that the flap portion 122 covers the folded, reclosable zipperprofile 30. The extended flap portion 122 of the second side 120 of theouter package material 114 is secured to the first side 118 of the outerpackage material 114 in the folded orientation. In the illustratedembodiment, a release ribbon or strip 124 (see also FIG. 15) is providedadjacent to the reclosable zipper profile 30. The release ribbon 124 isglued or adhered to the inside 128 of the flap portion 122 of the bag110 adjacent to the reclosable zipper profile 30. When the releaseribbon 124 is pulled, the ribbon cuts through the flap portion 122 toprovide access to the zipper 20 of the reclosable zipper profile 30.

To manufacture the bag 110 shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, a continuous lengthor web 90 (FIG. 8) of reclosable zipper profile is provided. Each of theslider 20 and the end stops (e.g. 52, FIG. 16) is attached and appliedto the reclosable zipper profile 30, as previously described. The web 90of reclosable zipper profile is then cut into discrete zipper profileelements (e.g. 30) having a length. The element is glued or adhered tothe inside 128 of the outer package material 114. The zipper profileelement (e.g. 30) and the flap portion 122 are folded in a U-shapedconfiguration; and the flap portion 122 is glued or adhered to the outerpackage material 114.

The above described paper bag 110 and closure arrangement 112 is easierand more convenient to use in comparison to conventional closurearrangements used on paper bags. Typical paper bag closure arrangementsinclude string sewn closures and metal zippers. Conventional paper bagshaving string sewn closures are often difficult to initially open and donot permit reclosure. The disclosed arrangement 10 provides an easy touse and reclosable closure arrangement that eliminates the problemsassociated with string sewn closures.

The disclosed paper bag 110 is also more convenient to use and reliablethan conventional paper bags having metal zippers. Metal zippers haveteeth that interlock and engage one another to close or seal a bag. Theteeth of the metal zipper of such bags often become clogged or fouledwith the bulk product contained within the bag, rendering the metalzipper inoperable. The zipper profile arrangement 10 of the presentdisclosure provides a toothless zipper profile arrangement, that is, anarrangement that does not have interlocking or engaging teeth. Thetoothless zipper profiles of the disclosed arrangement 10 provide aneasy to use, reliable reclosing closure arrangement that eliminates theproblems associated with metal zipper closures.

The above specification provides a complete description of theinvention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention, certain aspects ofthe invention reside in the claims hereinafter appended.

1. A zipper profile arrangement comprising: (a) a first zipper profileincluding a first profile member and a first ear extending from thefirst profile member, the first ear including a roughened surface; (b) asecond zipper profile opposing the first zipper profile; the secondzipper profile including a second profile member and a second earextending from the second profile member, the second ear including aroughened surface opposing the first ear roughened surface; (c) a slidermember mounted on the first and second zipper profile; the slider memberconstructed and arranged to selectively mate and unmate the first zipperprofile and second zipper profile responsive to motion of the slidermember along the first and second zipper profiles; and (d) a first endstop limiting motion of the slider member; the first end stop comprisingadhesive between the first ear roughened surface and the second earroughened surface.
 2. A zipper profile arrangement according to claim 1wherein: (a) the first zipper profile has a first zipper profile firstend and an opposite first zipper profile second end; (b) the secondzipper profile has a second zipper profile first end and a second zipperprofile second end; (i) the first zipper profile first end and thesecond zipper profile first end opposing each other to form a zipperfirst end; (ii) the first zipper profile second end and the secondzipper profile second end opposing each other to form a zipper secondend; and (c) the first end stop is on at least one of the zipper firstend and zipper second end.
 3. A zipper profile arrangement according toclaim 2 further comprising: (a) a second end stop limiting motion of theslider member; the second end stop comprising adhesive between the firstear and the second ear.
 4. A zipper profile arrangement according toclaim 3 wherein: (a) the first end stop is on the zipper first end andthe second end stop is on the zipper second end.
 5. A zipper profilearrangement according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the first ear includes atleast one aperture; (b) the second ear includes at least one apertureopposing the at least one aperture in the first ear; and (c) the firstend stop includes adhesive in the at least one aperture in the first earand the at least one aperture in the second ear and connecting the firstear to the second ear.
 6. A zipper profile arrangement according toclaim 4 wherein: (a) the first end stop includes at least one aperturein the first ear and second ear at the zipper first end with adhesivetherein and connecting the first ear to the second ear at the zipperfirst end; and (b) the second end stop includes at least one aperture inthe first ear and second ear at the zipper second end with adhesivetherein and connecting the first ear to the second ear at the zippersecond end.
 7. A zipper profile arrangement according to claim 1wherein: (a) the first ear includes a plurality of apertures; (b) thesecond ear includes a plurality of apertures opposing the plurality ofapertures in the first ear; and (c) the first end stop includes adhesivein the plurality of apertures in the first ear and the plurality ofapertures in the second ear and connecting the first ear to the secondear.
 8. A zipper profile arrangement according to claim 4 wherein: (a)the first end stop includes a plurality of apertures in the first earand second ear at the zipper first end with adhesive therein andconnecting the first ear to the second ear at the zipper first end; and(b) the second end stop includes a plurality of apertures in the firstear and second ear at the zipper second end with adhesive therein andconnecting the first ear to the second ear at the zipper second end. 9.A zipper profile arrangement according to claim 1 wherein: (a) each ofthe first ear roughened surface and the second ear roughened surface isa knurled surface.
 10. A zipper profile arrangement according to claim 1wherein: (a) each of the first ear roughened surface and the second earroughened surface is a pitted surface.
 11. A zipper profile arrangementaccording to claim 4 wherein: (a) the first and second ears includeroughened surfaces at each of the zipper first end and the zipper secondend; (b) the first end stop includes adhesive between the roughenedsurfaces at the zipper first end; and (c) the second end stop includesadhesive between the roughened surfaces at the zipper second end.
 12. Azipper profile arrangement according to claim 11 wherein: (a) the firstend stop connects the first ear to the second ear at the zipper firstend; and (b) the second end stop connects the first ear to the secondear at the zipper second end.
 13. A package comprising: (a) a packagefilm having a surrounding wall defining an interior and a mouthproviding access to the interior; (b) a zipper oriented along the mouthto provide selective opening and closing of the mouth; the zipperincluding: (i) a first zipper profile including a first profile memberand a first ear extending from the first profile member; (ii) a secondzipper profile opposing the first zipper profile; the second zipperprofile including a second profile member and a second ear extendingfrom the second profile member; (iii) a slider member mounted on thefirst and second zipper profile; the slider member constructed andarranged to selectively mate and unmate the first zipper profile andsecond zipper profile responsive to motion of the slider member alongthe first and second zipper profiles; and (iv) a first end stop limitingmotion of the slider member; the first end stop including a roughenedsurface in the first ear and the second ear at the zipper first end withadhesive therebetween, the first end stop connecting the first ear tothe second ear at the zipper first end.
 14. A package according to claim13 wherein: (a) the first zipper profile has a first zipper profilefirst end and an opposite first zipper profile second end; (b) thesecond zipper profile has a second zipper profile first end and a secondzipper profile second end; (i) the first zipper profile first end andthe second zipper profile second end opposing each other to form azipper first end; (ii) the first zipper profile second end and thesecond zipper profile second end opposing each other to form a zippersecond end; (c) the package further comprises a second end stop limitingmotion of the slider member; the second end stop including a roughenedsurface in the first ear and the second ear at the zipper second endwith adhesive therebetween, the second end stop connecting the first earto the second ear at the zipper second end.
 15. A package according toclaim 14 wherein: (a) the first end stop includes at least one aperturein the first ear and second ear at the zipper first end with adhesivetherein and connecting the first ear to the second ear at the zipperfirst end; and (b) the second end stop includes at least one aperture inthe first ear and second ear at the zipper second end with adhesivetherein and connecting the first ear to the second ear at the zippersecond end.
 16. A method of making a zipper profile arrangement; themethod comprising: (a) providing a first zipper profile including afirst profile member and a first ear extending from the first profilemember; (b) providing a second zipper profile opposing the first zipperprofile; the second zipper profile including a second profile member anda second ear extending from the second profile member; (c) mounting aslider member on the first and second zipper profile to selectively mateand unmate the first zipper profile and second zipper profile by movingthe slider member along the first and second zipper profiles; (d)roughening a region in the first ear, and roughening a region in thesecond ear opposing the region of the first ear that is roughened; and(e) providing adhesive between the region of the roughened first ear andthe region of the roughened second ear to create a first end stoplimiting motion of the slider member.
 17. A method according to claim 16further comprising: (a) punching at least one hole in the first ear; (b)punching at least one hole in the second ear to opposing the at leastone hole in the first ear; and (i) the step of providing adhesiveincludes squeezing adhesive through the at least one hole in the firstear and the at least one hole in the second ear and to connect the firstear and second ear to each other.
 18. A method according to claim 16wherein: (a) the step of roughening includes treating inner surfaces ofthe first ear and the second ear with a corona treater to pit the innersurfaces and enhance the bond between the adhesive and the first andsecond ears.
 19. A method according to claim 16 wherein: (a) the step ofroughening includes knurling the inner surfaces of the first ear and thesecond ear to enhance the bond between the adhesive and the first andsecond ears.
 20. A method of using a zipper arrangement; the methodcomprising: (a) moving a slider member along a zipper until the slidermember abuts an end stop; the end stop including an adhesive thatsecures together opposing portions of the zipper, the opposing portionsof the zipper including roughened surfaces.
 21. A zipper profilearrangement comprising: (a) a first zipper profile having a firstinterlocking element; (b) a second zipper profile opposing the firstzipper profile; the second zipper profile including a secondinterlocking element; (c) a slider member mounted on the first andsecond zipper profile; the slider member constructed and arranged toselectively mate and unmate the first and second interlocking elementsof the first and second zipper profiles in response to motion of theslider member along the first and second zipper profiles; and (d) afirst end stop limiting motion of the slider member; the first end stopcomprising a fiber reinforced adhesive disposed between the first zipperprofile and the second zipper profile.
 22. A zipper profile arrangementaccording to claim 21 wherein: (a) each of the first and second zipperprofiles defines an aperture, the aperture being located adjacent to thefirst end stop; and (b) portions of the first end stop extend througheach of the apertures defined in each of the first and second zipperprofiles.
 23. A zipper profile arrangement according to claim 21wherein: (a) the first and second zipper profiles each include a profilemember and an ear extending from the profile member, the first end stopbeing disposed between the ears of the first and second zipper profiles.24. A zipper profile arrangement according to claim 21 wherein: (a) thefirst and second zipper profiles each include a profile member, theinterlocking elements of the first and second zipper profiles extendingfrom the profile members, the first end stop being disposed between theprofile members of the first and second zipper profiles.
 25. A zipperprofile arrangement comprising: (a) a first zipper profile including afirst profile member and a first ear extending from the first profilemember; (b) a second zipper profile opposing the first zipper profile;the second zipper profile including a second profile member and a secondear extending from the second profile member; (c) a slider membermounted on the first and second zipper profile; the slider memberconstructed and arranged to selectively mate and unmate the first andsecond zipper profiles in response to motion of the slider member alongthe first and second zipper profiles; and (d) a first end stop limitingmotion of the slider member; the first end stop including an inner stopportion and an outer stop portion, the inner stop portion being disposedonly between the first and second ears of the first and second zipperprofiles, the outer stop portion being disposed adjacent outer surfacesof the first and second ears of the first and second zipper profiles.26. A zipper profile arrangement according to claim 25 wherein: (a) theslider member includes a plow located between first and secondshoulders, the first end stop arranged such that the plow contacts theinner stop portion and the shoulders contact the outer stop portion ofthe end stop to limit motion of the slider member.
 27. A zipper profilearrangement according to claim 25 wherein: (a) the inner stop portion isa volume of adhesive; and (b) the outer stop portion is an overflow ofadhesive, the overflow of adhesive extending over a top edge of each ofthe first and second ears of the first and second zipper profiles.
 28. Apaper bag, comprising: (a) a zipper profile arrangement including: (i) afirst plastic zipper profile having a first interlocking element; (ii) asecond plastic zipper profile opposing the first zipper profile; thesecond zipper profile including a second interlocking element; (iii) aplastic slider member mounted on the first and second zipper profile;the slider member constructed and arranged to selectively mate andunmate the first and second interlocking elements of the first andsecond zipper profiles in response to motion of the slider member alongthe first and second zipper profiles; and (b) an outer paper packagematerial, the outer paper package material having an opening, the zipperprofile arrangement being located at the opening of the outer paperpackage material, the outer paper package material further including:(i) a flap portion located adjacent to the opening, the flap portionbeing folded over the zipper profile arrangement to enclose a majorityof the zipper profile arrangement.
 29. A paper bag according to claim 28further including: (a) a first end stop limiting motion of the slidermember; the first end stop comprising adhesive disposed between thefirst zipper profile and the second zipper profile.
 30. A paper bagaccording to claim 28 wherein: (a) the outer paper package materialcomprises multiple plies of paper.
 31. A paper bag according to claim 30further including: (a) an inner polyethylene layer surrounded by theouter paper package material.
 32. A paper bag, comprising: (a) atoothless zipper profile arrangement including: (i) a first zipperprofile including a first profile member and a first ear extending fromthe first profile member; (ii) a second zipper profile opposing thefirst zipper profile; the second zipper profile including a secondprofile member and a second ear extending from the second profilemember; (iii) a slider member mounted on the first and second zipperprofile; the slider member constructed and arranged to selectively mateand unmate the first and second zipper profiles in response to motion ofthe slider member along the first and second zipper profiles; and (iv) afirst end stop limiting motion of the slider member; the first end stopcomprising adhesive disposed between the first and second ears of thefirst zipper profile and the second zipper profile; (b) an outer paperpackage material, the outer paper package material having an opening,the zipper profile arrangement being located at the opening of the outerpaper package material.
 33. A paper bag according to claim 32 furtherincluding: (a) a bag flap extending from the outer paper packagematerial, the bag flap being located adjacent to the opening, the bagflap being folded over the zipper profile arrangement to enclose amajority of the zipper profile arrangement.
 34. A paper bag according toclaim 32 wherein: (a) the outer paper package material comprisesmultiple plies of paper.
 35. A paper bag according to claim 34 furtherincluding: (a) an inner polyethylene layer surrounded by the outer paperpackage material.